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Kruger: largest nature park in South Africa

Kruger National Park is one of the oldest, most famous and largest nature reserves in Africa. The park, referred to locally as the ‘wildtuin’ (wild garden), covers around 20,000 square kilometres. The size of the park and various eco zones within it mean that almost every type of African animal species can be found here. Not only that, but in large numbers: more than 13,000 elephants, 5,000 giraffes, 86,000 impalas and close to 5,000 rhinos roam Kruger Park.

The nature reserve is a 5-hour drive from Johannesburg and can also be reached by domestic flight. You can explore the park by rental car, thanks to a 414 kilometre long asphalted road and lots of well-maintained gravel roads through the bush. But there is a much greater chance to spot animals if you go on one of the safaris organised by the park – in the morning, at sunset or at night. The light is overwhelmingly beautiful at the start and end of the day. This is also often the best time to spot animals since it is the coolest time of day.

 Elephants in Kruger National Park

Johannesburg

Spotting wildlife

Kruger Park is roughly made up of 3 parts. The fertile southern part, thick with shrubs and dotted with mountains and rivers, is by far the most popular. Here you will find large herds of giraffes, impalas, zebras and elephants, as well as lions, crocodiles, hippos and a number of cheetahs. Camps are located throughout the park for overnight stays, as well as shops, a petrol station and a restaurant. A unique camp is Lower Sabie, which due to its location, allows you to spend the night at a watering hole. Elephants come here at night to take a bath and you can see entire families of warthogs stopping by for a drink.

The central area is more open and flat and home to fewer animals than the south. But here you can also spot buffalos, elephants, hippos, giraffes and some lions. There are several camps here, including Lebata which has an elephant museum with a collection of skulls and tusks, among other things. Located more to the south is Camp Satara, situated at a watering hole in the grasslands – a spot that attracts grass eaters and, consequently, their natural enemy, the lion.

The northern section above the Lebata River is most popular with bird enthusiasts, where colourful bird life can be spotted. Camp Shingwedzi is famous for its numerous bird species, but other animals can also be seen here, including lechwes, antelopes and kudus. Camp Mopani is one of the newest camps in Kruger and is located at Pioneer Dam. It is especially popular in the winter when there is little water and the animals congregate around the dam.

Organised game drives

Private reserves are located on the edge of Kruger Park that are somewhat more luxurious than the ones inside the park. These reserves often offer beautiful and romantic accommodations, serve good food and organise classic safaris in Land Rovers. These ‘game drives’ are led by highly competent guides, who are in radio contact with their colleagues so they immediately know if large animals are spotted somewhere. This increases the chance that you will come across unique animals on these game drives.

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Giraffe at sunset

Guided treks

Those who are early birds staying in the park can go on a wildlife trek each morning around sunrise. These treks last around 3 hours. There are also 3-day wilderness tours available that are led by experienced guides. The chance of spotting wildlife is no greater than by car, but the guide tells you about the unique vegetation and smaller animals around you. These 3-day tours are held with groups of no more than 8 people. This is for those who love to walk as you spend 7 hours a day trekking.